"Awolowo was 37 years,
Akintola 36,
Ahmadu Bello 36,
Balewa 34,
Okotie-Eboh 27
and Enahoro 27
And they led the struggle for Nigeria Independence after
the death of Macaulay. Only Zik was 42 at the time!
In 1966, the first military coup was led by K
Nzeogwu who was 29 years
and countered by
M.Mohammed 28,
T. Danjuma 28,
I. Babangida 25,
J. Garba 23,
Sani Abacha 23,
and M. Yar'adua 23,
And brought into power
Y. Gowon 32,
Ojukwu 33,
Obasanjo 29,
And Buhari 24!
Most of the military governors who governed the
states under the successive military regimes were
under 30 years.
Also, the brief democratic dispensation which interjected the military interregnums also saw some
Senators and members of the House of
Representatives, in particular, populated by persons
under 30!
Under 30's were also not in short supply with
appointments - we have examples of
MT Mbu who
became Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister at 23
and Pat Utomi who became a Federal Adviser at 27
And so on and so forth!
NOW: Why is it that almost all this age bracket is today still sleeping in 3-seater chairs in their
parents’ homes?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still
collecting pocket money from their parents?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still writing JAMB?
Why is it that this age bracket today still 'sagg' their trousers?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still
searching for jobs and not yet married?
Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer qualified to even be leaders of youth wings of political parties?
Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile?
Why is this age bracket today incapable of feeding itself?
Why is it that this age bracket is today barred from even aspiring to certain political offices?
Why is it that this age bracket is today incapacitated, unwilling, unable and incapable of
asking questions?
GOD BLESS NIGERIA!"
From Prof Wole Soyinka.
